($1,138) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Lafayette

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Lafayette from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,138 and $4,486. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,400 to $5,917 for the trip from Des Moines to Lafayette. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,010 and $7,849.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Lafayette

Moving containers from Des Moines to Lafayette will cost you $835 to $1,993 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,484 to $2,859. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,960 to $3,870. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lafayette

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Lafayette typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $644 and $1,159 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $668 to $1,420. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $898 to $1,762.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Planning a move to Lafayette? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 146% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
• Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Lafayette are about 11% higher than those in Des Moines.
• In terms of average income, Lafayette and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, as the cost of living for a single person is 6% lower compared to Des Moines.
• The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Lafayette and Des Moines, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
• With Lafayette and Des Moines having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
• Sales taxes in Lafayette are 35% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
• Income taxes have a close resemblance in Louisiana and Iowa, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.

• Lafayette’s population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
• Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Lafayette is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Lafayette’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 45.75 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 54.25 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Louisiana’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lafayette. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Saint Streets
• Freetown-Port Rico
• Downtown Lafayette
• Scott
• Youngsville

Best neighborhoods for families

• Youngsville
• Erath
• Maurice
• Broussard
• Milton
• Scott
• Cade

Things to do in Lafayette

After settling into your new Louisiana home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: Lafayette features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.